Posted 2:21 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022
Writing in Political Science and Public Administration
The Write Here, Write Now blog invites writers from the University of Wisconsin and La Crosse communities to respond to a series of questions that shed light on their writing lives. As readers of the blog will discover, learning to write is an ongoing, life-long process and all writers, from first-year students to career professionals, benefit from reflecting on the writing process and sharing that process with others.
Name and Title: Prof. Sam Scinta, Lecturer at UWL and publisher at Fulcrum Publishing
Department, Speciality Area, and Classes Typically Taught: Political Science and Public Administration, focusing on American government, political theory, American political history and thought, and judicial process and policy.
Current Writing Project: I just finished writing a speech I am giving on civics and the US Constitution for Viterbo University’s “Servant Leadership Community Conversation.” In terms of my publishing work, I am doing developmental editing on a new title for Fulcrum’s Servant Leadership Series (which we do in partnership with Viterbo), exploring the motivations and inspirations of servant leaders. This month, I will also be doing initial developmental work on two new essays for Fulcrum’s “Speaker’s Corner Books” series (a series dedicated to essays on significant social, political, and cultural issues). The first is on the concept of Indigenuity; written by Daniel Wildcat, a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, the book explores how Indigenous knowledge is essential for saving the planet. The other is written by James La Rue, former head of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, and explores censorship, book banning, and how these challenge a free society. I am also focused on acquiring new titles. One of the many things I love about working in publishing is the ability to work on a broad array of topics, with a diverse set of authors. The ability to work on books connected to my teaching, such as books on free speech, civil society, and American politics, is obviously a plus.
1. What are you currently reading?
I always try to have a few books in my reading pile at any time, which allows me to get through more books (there are so many good books to read!) and also to read based on mood and time available. Right now, the stack includes: All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days, by Rebecca Donner (an outstanding and innovative biography of Mildred Harnack, the only American in the leadership of the German resistance during the rise of the Nazi Party and the start of WWII); Wizard and Glass, by Stephen King (I am re-reading the Dark Tower series and finding new treasures along the way); and When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson (because Shirley Jackson is perfect for the fall and sometimes I only have time for a short story).
2. What type(s) of writing do you regularly engage in?
Most of my writing these days focuses on either talks I am giving to various groups (I do several a year on civics and related topics, as well as talks to groups about book publishing) or the occasional opinion piece for the newspaper. With the nature of my work, most of my time is spent reviewing and editing other peoples’ writing. That said, I try to do some writing every day, to keep up the practice, even if it is writing that only I will ever consume.
3. When/where/how do you write? What are your “writing necessities”?
I utilize many of the same principles for both my writing and my editing. I need a relatively quiet space, with lots of natural light. I prefer working at a large table, with space for my computer, notepads, sticky notes, books, and manuscripts. I like to have some music in the background (jazz or classical work best, as I find myself singing along when words are involved!). I prefer to be in either my home or publishing office, both of which include lots of books (these books are great tools both for looking up information and finding inspiration when I am stuck). If it is a nice day, I will often work on a manuscript outdoors (bird songs are a great inspiration for editing); then, I only need a red pen (I prefer Sharpie pens), a print-out, and some sunlight. I prefer to work in hard copy, and when I am writing, will often start with a pad and pen to collect ideas, before starting to type on the computer. While I do editing work throughout the day (authors often work odd hours, and I will interact with them during the day and night), I find that early morning or late evening work best for me for my writing.
4. What's the best writing advice you've received?
I have two tips that I use, and they are essentially the same advice I give to aspiring writers-first, if you want to be a writer, you have to be an omnivorous reader. Read broadly, even outside of the area in which you work. Read poetry, essays, plays, graphic novels, and, in both fiction and non-fiction, read across genres. See how writers use words in different settings, how they use rhetorical devices, how they use setting and description to inform their work. I know this seems pretty obvious, that you have to be a reader to be a writer, but you would be surprised at the number of “writers” I have met over the years who have no interest in reading. They tend not to be the best writers. Second, understand that the mechanical aspect of writing a piece is only part of the process. Planning your writing will often take more time than the actual writing, and is essential for a good outcome. You might be able to improvise along the way, but without a good map of where you are headed, you will get lost. And editing is essential for writing, both self-editing and outside editing, when possible. Always leave time in your writing process for revision.
5. How does your discipline affect your writing style?
I am often working with books, articles and other writings that are informed by deep critical thought-Supreme Court decisions, interpretations of American political documents or activities, political philosophy. I am also a trained attorney, and so often approach my writing through the use of logic and presentation of evidence. I am not sure if I am always successful, but I believe good writing in the areas I work in require a critical thinking approach (use of evidence, acknowledging counterarguments) and use of pathos, ethos and logos (I always try to include and balance these elements).
6. What is your best tip for getting started and/or for revision? How do you avoid writer’s block?
For several years, I ran a program in local high schools focused on critical thinking and communication; getting started and writer’s block were the biggest challenges students encountered. We would coach students to do two things to deal with these challenges: write regularly (even if the writing is informal, it helps to exercise the writing muscles), and understand that you don’t have to start writing at the beginning of an essay or other piece of writing. With respect to the latter, you of course want to be sure to have a general map of where you are going (I always encourage outlining); however, there is no rule that you have to start with an introduction. Just write something-a sentence for a body paragraph, a phrase for the conclusion, a synthesis of a piece of evidence. This is why putting some thought into the process before actually writing is so important; you probably have materials from your planning that you can use. That way, you get something on paper, and the rest of the writing can be built around this.
In terms of revision, beyond always leaving time for this essential part of the process, it is helpful if you can have someone else edit and comment on your work. We tend to be our own worst editors, in large part because everything we write tends to seem beautiful and logical on the page to us. It is hard opening up your writing to another person, but if you have someone you trust, and you understand that they are simply trying to improve your work, the process feels more comfortable. As someone who has edited and worked with authors for many years, there is the essential understanding we have with our authors; as an editor, I am not an adversary but instead a partner, whose job it is to improve the work. And as someone who has written a lot over the years, including articles, contributions to books, and speeches, I ALWAYS have someone edit my work, even after all this time. I continually try to improve my writing and my understanding of craft, and will do this through the last thing I write.
7. How has your work experience influenced how you write?
In over 20 years in publishing, I have worked with hundreds of authors. By studying their craft and technique, and engaging in editorial conversations with these authors, my own writing process is refined. Specifically, I learn both from what others do successfully, seeking to emulate this in my own writing, and from what might challenge others as well. Odds are that if someone who writes professionally has an issue, it is something that I can learn from. I have always been one to edit my work, but the more I work as an editor with others, the more central this editorial process becomes in my own writing.